Arklow should be a key town

THE elected members of Wicklow County Council voted to place Arklow as Key Town in the County Development Plan 2021-2027, despite being informed that it was a decision which was out of their hands.

Under the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Final Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), Wicklow, Rathnew and Bray are considered as key towns, while Arklow was included as a level three town.

Cllr Pat Fitzgerald outlined the reasons why Arklow should be identified as a key town in the County settlement hierarchy.

He said: ‘Level three towns are down as having a weak employment base and services. Arklow has a population of over 13,000, similar to the combined population of Wicklow and Rathnew.

‘It has the lowest number of commuters to Dublin and has a local employment ratio that matches Bray. Arklow has some key regeneration sites currently being developed such as the Castle Park site, Primary Care Centre and the Wallbord Site location for new waste water treatment plant.

‘ There are brown field sites available as well, such as the Alps site on Main Street and Arklow Harbour. It’s my view that Arklow should be considered a key town, which would attract more investment.’

Cllr Tommy Annesley also supported the direction.

‘ This will present Arklow with a better chance to source additional funding for critical infrastructure. It will also enhance the development and regeneration of the harbour area and flood defence works.’

However, Chief Executive Frank Curran warned that the elected members didn’t have the power to change Arklow’s inclusion as a level three town.

‘It wasn’t a determination we made – it was already made by the Regional Authority.

‘Arklow is an up-and-coming town and we will be promoting the areas and site already mentioned. We just don’t have the authority to move it.’

The direction was still put to a vote, with 17 in favour of considering Arklow a key town, with one voting against, seven abstaining and seven not present.